We’re celebrating one hundred years of serving Utah communities. Each month one of our 13 branches will be spotlighted. You can read a little bit about the history of Bank of American Fork below, with a history of the spotlighted branch. For a deeper history and to view photos visit here and select “downloads”.

Bank of American Fork was established in 1913 as The People’s State Bank of American Fork. The first two decades after opening brought success for the bank and its reputation for being safe and sound was solidified. Challenges came in 1932, when the People’s State Bank of American Fork closed its doors to prevent a run on deposits. While a third of the nation’s banks did the same and never reopened, the People’s State Bank was open for business nine months later after tremendous sacrifice on the part of its management. The 1940s and ‘50s were better years for banking, and the People’s State Bank of American Fork thrived. In the 1960s the name was shortened to Bank of American Fork and proved itself a technological leader when it made a large investment in upgrading to advanced computerized systems. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Bank of American Fork began to receive national recognition for being safe and strong. It was during this time that the bank began strategic expansion across Utah, finding communities where Bank of American Fork fit and filled needs. Today, we are proud to be a part of 13 communities, and Utah’s community bank leader.

Orem BranchOctober 4, 1993 In 1993, the bank’s third branch opened in a trailer, then in In 1997 it got its permanent home by University Mall, where tens of thousands of cars pass the blue glass building daily. When it opened as a loan office, Robert Chatfield and Dave Hatton worked tirelessly to grow, sometimes working more than 10 hours a day. They hired an additional loan officer, Lane Wilson. During this period the bank was responsible for financing many projects that developed both Provo and Orem, including apartment complexes near Brigham Young University and Utah Valley State College, strip malls, office parks, government buildings and hospital. The branch first opened in a trailer on the edge of its current lot on the corner of University Mall in Orem and now the blue glass building is a landmark part of Orem.

This blog includes articles, information, tips and advice on all things money by the financial experts at Bank of American Fork. But this blog is not one-sided; we want to hear what you think. Share your ideas, experiences and comments to get the dialogue going.